Buying Guide
The Best Gaming Speakers
Four speakers compared, from the Pebble Pro to the Leviathan V2, with the trade-offs of each named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
11 min read4 products evaluated
Gaming speakers add punch and lighting to a desk. Every pick is aimed at gaming, ordered by peak power.
Our comparison rests on published figures for form, peak power and inputs; where a maker leaves out peak power, we say so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Which of the 4 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Highest Peak Power
Logitech G560 LIGHTSYNC PC Gaming SpeakersThe highest peak power here (240W).
Best for: Buyers who put peak power first.
Check price for Logitech G560 LIGHTSYNC PC Gaming Speakers on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Edifier G2000 Gaming Speakers16W RMS output.
Best for: Buyers who want 16W RMS output.
Check price for Edifier G2000 Gaming Speakers on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Creative Pebble Pro USB-C Desktop SpeakersThe lowest price among these speakers at the time of writing.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the G2000.
Check price for Creative Pebble Pro USB-C Desktop Speakers on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Razer Leviathan V2 PC Soundbar with SubwooferA down-firing subwoofer.
Best for: Buyers who want down-firing subwoofer.
Check price for Razer Leviathan V2 PC Soundbar with Subwoofer on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest peak power here (240W). | Buyers who put peak power first. | Check price for Logitech G560 LIGHTSYNC PC Gaming Speakers on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| 16W RMS output. | Buyers who want 16W RMS output. | Check price for Edifier G2000 Gaming Speakers on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest price among these speakers at the time of writing. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the G2000. | Check price for Creative Pebble Pro USB-C Desktop Speakers on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A down-firing subwoofer. | Buyers who want down-firing subwoofer. | Check price for Razer Leviathan V2 PC Soundbar with Subwoofer on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Highest Peak Power1 of 4
Logitech G560 LIGHTSYNC PC Gaming Speakers
Logitech's G560 is a 2.1 set with a separate subwoofer, DTS:X virtual surround and four lighting zones that react to games.
Best for
- Buyers who put peak power first.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Pebble Pro was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
DTS:X is not available on Mac. It pairs 240W peak power with a subwoofer and DTS:X Ultra surround. LIGHTSYNC RGB reacts to supported games.
Its subwoofer and satellites can be placed apart for a wider soundstage. At 240W peak it is loud enough for a large room, and it connects over USB or Bluetooth. On peak power it leads this guide at 240W, ahead of the G2000 (32W).
You get a separate subwoofer here, which sets it apart from the Leviathan V2 and its a down-firing subwoofer. Bluetooth adds some delay, so use a wired input for games. It was priced above the G2000 and below the Leviathan V2 at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Form
- 2.1 with subwoofer
- Peak power
- 240W
- Inputs
- USB, 3.5mm, Bluetooth
- Subwoofer
- Separate subwoofer
- Extras
- DTS:X 2.0, 4 lighting zones
Pros
- DTS:X virtual surround on Windows
- Four game-driven lighting zones
- Separate subwoofer
- Highest peak power of the picks (240W)
Cons
- Costs more than the Pebble Pro at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 4
Edifier G2000 Gaming Speakers
Edifier's G2000 offers 16W RMS and 32W peak with USB, AUX and Bluetooth inputs.
Best for
- Buyers who want 16W RMS output.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no subwoofer, so deep bass comes only from the main drivers.
Why we like it
Twelve RGB effects are built in. Its 2.75-inch drivers and rear bass ports deliver 16W RMS, and Game, Music and Movie EQ modes change the tuning. It suits a gaming desk without a subwoofer.
Its column cabinets tilt 10 degrees toward you, and it connects over 3.5mm, Bluetooth or USB. Its 32W peak power ranks second of 3 here, behind the G560 (240W) and ahead of the Pebble Pro (20W). You also get 16W RMS output.
Bluetooth adds some delay, so use a wired input for games. When we checked, only the Pebble Pro cost less, and the G560 cost more.
Key specs
- Form
- Stereo pair
- Peak power
- 32W
- Inputs
- USB, AUX, Bluetooth
- Subwoofer
- None
- Extras
- 12 RGB effects
Pros
- 16W RMS output
- Three inputs
- 12 RGB effects
- Peak power of 32W, ahead of the Pebble Pro
Cons
- No subwoofer, so deep bass comes only from the main drivers
- Costs more than the Pebble Pro at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 4
Creative Pebble Pro USB-C Desktop Speakers
Creative's Pebble Pro keeps the Pebble shape and adds BassFlex tuning, Bluetooth 5.3 and RGB lighting.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the G2000.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no subwoofer, so deep bass comes only from the main drivers is a problem.
Why we like it
Creative offers up to 10W RMS and 20W peak when powered from a suitable USB-C source. Built-in amps with audio processing drive noticeably more output than earlier Pebbles, and RGB lighting has three effects. It runs from USB-C.
BassFlex tuning extends the low end, and the drivers angle 45 degrees toward you. One USB cable carries power and audio. Its 20W peak power is the lowest in this group; the G560 leads at 240W.
Bluetooth adds some delay, so use a wired input for games. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the G2000 was closest. Peak power is its weakest area, and the G560 covers it better at 240W.
Key specs
- Form
- Stereo pair
- Peak power
- 20W
- Inputs
- USB (power and audio), Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm
- Subwoofer
- None, BassFlex tuning
- Extras
- RGB lighting, 3 effects
Pros
- Up to 10W RMS and 20W peak with a suitable USB-C power source
- BassFlex tuning for extended bass
- RGB lighting with three effects
- The lowest price among these speakers at the time of writing
Cons
- No subwoofer, so deep bass comes only from the main drivers
- Peak power trails the G560 (240W)
Strong Alternative4 of 4
Razer Leviathan V2 PC Soundbar with Subwoofer
The Leviathan V2 adds a down-firing subwoofer and THX Spatial Audio to Razer's desktop bar.
Best for
- Buyers who want down-firing subwoofer.
Skip if
- Pass if a published peak power matters; this one has none.
Why we like it
Bluetooth 5.2 covers phones. Two full-range drivers and a down-firing subwoofer come in a bar that fits under a monitor. THX Spatial Audio adds 7.1 virtual surround for games and films.
Two full-range drivers and a down-firing subwoofer cover the full range, with THX Spatial Audio for 7.1 virtual surround. The compact bar fits under a monitor, angled toward you on rubber feet. You get a down-firing subwoofer here, which sets it apart from the G560 and its a separate subwoofer.
You also get 18 Chroma RGB zones. Bluetooth adds some delay, so use a wired input for games. There is no published peak power figure, whereas the G560 offers 240W.
Key specs
- Form
- Desktop soundbar with subwoofer
- Inputs
- USB, Bluetooth 5.2
- Subwoofer
- Down-firing subwoofer
- Extras
- THX Spatial Audio, 18 RGB zones
Pros
- Down-firing subwoofer
- THX Spatial Audio 7.1 virtual surround
- 18 Chroma RGB zones
Cons
- No published peak power
- Costs more than the Pebble Pro at the time of writing
How We Chose These Gaming Speakers
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- The figures behind the order
- We set side by side four speakers on form, peak power, inputs and subwoofer from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and peak power is missing for at least one pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 4, from the G560 to the Leviathan V2, state form, inputs and subwoofer.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Leviathan V2 gives no peak power.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Pebble Pro ($50 to $100) to the Leviathan V2 ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in Gaming Speakers
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Peak power
Here peak power runs from 20W on the Pebble Pro to 240W on the G560, an 1100% spread. For less, the G2000 is the runner-up at 32W ($100 to $150 tier). The Leviathan V2 gives no peak power figure, so 3 of 4 picks are compared here.
Features beyond the spec table
The G2000: three inputs. The Pebble Pro: BassFlex tuning for extended bass. The Leviathan V2: THX Spatial Audio 7.1 virtual surround.
Desktop speakers either side of a monitor Budget
$50 to $100 buys the Pebble Pro; $100 to $150 buys the G2000; $150 to $250 buys the G560 and the Leviathan V2 at our last check.
Match the pick to your priority
Buyers who put peak power first: the G560. Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the G2000: the Pebble Pro.
White bookshelf speakers either side of a monitor Read wattage carefully
Peak figures are much higher than RMS (continuous) figures, and brands mix them. Compare like with like, and treat wattage as a rough guide rather than a measure of quality.
How to Choose Gaming Speakers
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put peak power first | G560 | The highest peak power here (240W) |
| Buyers who want 16W RMS output | G2000 | 16W RMS output |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the G2000 | Pebble Pro | The lowest price among these speakers at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want down-firing subwoofer | Leviathan V2 | A down-firing subwoofer |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The G560 leads on peak power at 240W, ahead of the G2000 at 32W. "Not listed" marks peak power where the Leviathan V2 leaves the figure out.
| Speaker | Form | Peak power | Inputs | Subwoofer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G560 | 2.1 with subwoofer | 240W | USB, 3.5mm, Bluetooth | Separate subwoofer |
| G2000 | Stereo pair | 32W | USB, AUX, Bluetooth | None |
| Pebble Pro | Stereo pair | 20W | USB (power and audio), Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm | None, BassFlex tuning |
| Leviathan V2 | Desktop soundbar with subwoofer | Not listed | USB, Bluetooth 5.2 | Down-firing subwoofer |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Pebble Pro, sat in the $50 to $100 tier, 3 tiers in all up to the Leviathan V2 at $150 to $250; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Speakers |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | Pebble Pro |
| About $100 to $150 | G2000 |
| About $150 to $250 | G560, Leviathan V2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the G2000 compare with the G560 on peak power?
The G560 leads at 240W, with the G2000 at 32W. The Pebble Pro closes the ranking at 20W. No peak power figure is published for the Leviathan V2, which leaves 3 of 4 picks ranked here.
What makes the G560 the Highest Peak Power?
It carries the badge for the highest peak power here (240W). The G2000 is next on peak power at 32W, so this pick's 240W is 650% further out. The Pebble Pro, the cheapest pick, sat in the $50 to $100 tier against $150 to $250 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It makes sense for anyone who puts peak power first.
Beyond the specs, what sets the G560 and the G2000 apart?
The G560: DTS:X virtual surround on Windows. The G2000: 16W RMS output. The Pebble Pro: up to 10W RMS and 20W peak with a suitable USB-C power source.
Should I pick the G560 or the Leviathan V2?
The G560 suits buyers who put peak power first; the Leviathan V2 suits buyers who want down-firing subwoofer.
What else do the Pebble Pro and the Leviathan V2 offer?
The Pebble Pro: RGB lighting with three effects. The Leviathan V2: 18 Chroma RGB zones.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the G560, chosen for the highest peak power here (240W). Look at the G2000 for 16W RMS output, the Pebble Pro for the lowest price among these speakers at the time of writing and the Leviathan V2 for a down-firing subwoofer if those matter more to you.
Angle speakers toward your ears.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best PC Speakers for Your Desk
- Related guideThe Best Speakers for a Gaming PC
- Related guideThe Best Gaming Speaker Bars for a PC Desk
- Lower budgetThe Best Gaming Speakers Under $100
- Similar guideThe Best Gaming PC Speakers Under $150
- ExplainerHow to Choose Desktop Speakers for a PC
- ExplainerPC speaker connections compared: 3.5 mm, USB, optical and Bluetooth
- Also see: headsets and headphonesHow to Choose a PC Headset
- Similar guideThe Best RGB Gaming Speakers
- Topic hubAll pc speakers guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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